The people of Ibeno, a leading oil-producing community in Akwa Ibom State, are upbeat and it is for a good reason. After many years of living, somewhat, in isolation in their swampy community, they now boast of a bridge linking them with other parts of the state – and also nationwide. The bridge built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) spans over the swamps, changing the people’s lives and fortunes.
The N10.4 billion 600-metre Ibeno Bridge is across the Qua Iboe River. The mega-bridge, with the 6.87-kilometre Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-Iwuoachang Road, is unique in the sense that it is one of the longest bridges built by NDDC in Niger Delta, using a local contractor.
The inauguration of the bridge marked a significant milestone for NDDC. It was like conquering the mangrove forest and its encumbering swamps. It took 10 years of anticipation and unwavering commitment to achieve. Giving this background, some stakeholders are surprised that despite the first phase of the project being ready for commissioning in 2013, the NDDC management had different ideas.
Why did the NDDC wait for 11 years to celebrate this milestone? The then Managing Director, Sir Bassey Dan-Abia, answers the poser: “When I first visited the bridge in February 2014, shortly after the fourth governing board was inaugurated, we were asked to commission the bridge which had then been completed. I did not buy the idea of commissioning the bridge because I wanted to see that the road connected all the intended inland communities. Thus, the contract for the second phase was the first to be awarded by the commission under my leadership.”
Commissioning the bridge on May 28, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the multi-billion-naira project as an enduring legacy. He said work on the second phase of the Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-Iwuoachang Road, an extension from the bridge, would be accelerated to ensure its completion in record time. It will link the 36-kilometre Ikoro-Ntafra-Opolom Road.
He assured the Ibeno people that the NDDC would give them the special attention they deserved as major contributors to the nation’s oil wealth, adding: “We recognise the importance of Eket and Ibeno local governments to the Federal Government, especially as they constitute the major oil-producing hub of Akwa Ibom State.”
Ogbuku listed some other NDDC projects in the state as the 5.15-kilometre Oku-Iboku Internal Road in Itu Local Government Area; the on-going 30-kilometre Nsasak Junction-Akon in Essien Udim Local Government Area, which leads to Abia State; a 1, 050-bed space ultra-modern hostel at the University of Uyo; and a model hostel at the institution’s teaching hospital.
The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the landmark project demonstrated the government’s commitment to the region’s development, noting that despite challenges, NDDC had striven to execute projects to improve the people’s lives.
Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakeni, said the project would add value to the socio-economic activities of the residents. “It is a testament to the relationship between the state and NDDC. By working together, we can continue to bring tangible benefits to our communities and the broader Niger Delta region”, he added.
Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Dr Effiong Bassey Achianga, said things were looking up for many communities in the area, noting that his people were delighted that the second phase of the Iko-Atabrikang-Opolom-Iwuoachang Road was underway.
The road, he said, would connect communities in two local government areas that were hitherto separated by the Qua Iboe River. “Our hope is that the road and the bridge would connect Iko, Rikang, Akata, Opolom, Ikot-Enwang, Okoroutip and Iwoachang communities with about 24 others. If that happens, it would have linked all the communities to modernity, while enhancing our economic fortunes. The NDDC has made it possible for us to interact with our kith and kin in the adjoining communities. This was not possible in the past because the river stood between us”, he said.
Ibeno Local Government Chairman Emma Ibok expressed joy that the communities could now interact among themselves. “This was not possible in the past because the river stood between us”, he said.
Leaders of the community were also excited by the development. They praised NDDC for opening up the place. The village head of Agada community, Chief Alex Ebitu, said: “NDDC has made it possible for us to interact with our kith and kin in the adjoining communities”.
Another leader, Chief Ibrewong Andrew, said life was difficult without a bridge across the river.
representative of the community, Enyima Inyang, hailed the contractor and the people for working together to deliver the project in time.
An analyst, Mr. Michael Sampson, said the project has changed the lives of the people and the perception of many about the ability of local firms to handle major projects.
